Nguyen Duc Minh, a man with a genetic condition that limits his height to 1.28 meters, traveled 700 kilometers in search of love - and found a lifelong partner in a kind-hearted woman who defied appearances and tradition.
Love beyond limits
Nguyen Duc Minh (born 1996 in Thanh Hoa) is known for his radiant smile despite his modest height of 1.28 meters. “It’s hereditary,” he shared. “I never knew my father - he left early - and my mother is only about 1.20 meters tall.”
Minh grew up surrounded by love from his family and friends, but he was no stranger to ridicule due to his height. He learned to stay optimistic, though romance was always a sensitive topic. Once, after confessing his feelings to someone, he was taken advantage of rather than loved. That experience led him to believe that finding someone to truly commit to him would require a stroke of luck.
That luck arrived in the form of Xin Thi Dung (born 1997), a tall, fair, gentle woman from the Nung ethnic group in what is now Tuyen Quang province.
The two met online in 2021. At the time, Dung was back home looking for a job, while Minh was selling goods on the street in Hanoi. He saw her job-seeking post and reached out. His early messages were ignored, but over time, they began talking. Their conversations shifted from job searches to personal stories, growing more intimate and sweet.
“I hadn’t met him yet, but I could feel his sincerity,” Dung said.
Minh once asked, “What do you think of me, being like this?” Dung simply replied, “It doesn’t matter.” They officially began dating at the end of 2021, even before meeting in person.
A journey of 700 kilometers
The couple has been happily married for three years.
The couple’s wedding was joyful and heartfelt.
In early 2022, with COVID restrictions easing, Dung invited Minh to visit. She had already told her parents about him. Though initially uncertain about their daughter dating a man with such a unique height, they supported her decision and agreed to meet him.
It was Minh’s first long journey. He took two 6-hour bus rides to travel over 700 kilometers from Hanoi to Ha Giang. The first person he met was Dung’s father, who picked him up, helped him register health checks, and took him for a COVID test.
“I was so nervous. All I could think was, ‘Once she sees me, will she change her mind?’” Minh recalled.
When they finally met, Dung found him smaller than she’d imagined but was charmed by his bright smile. She welcomed him warmly, kept him at her house for 10 days, and took him to local festivals, into the fields, and on family chores.
Those 10 days helped Minh understand Dung’s humble, hardworking background. Her parents, moved by his sincerity and diligence, gave their full blessing. “They saw how much he cared for me, so they supported us,” Dung said.
The night before he left, Minh asked to take Dung home to meet his mother in Thanh Hoa.
A love worth fighting for
Photos: Provided by the family
Meeting Minh’s mother went smoothly - she was delighted her son found a sweet, lovely partner. The community, however, had mixed reactions. Some offered genuine congratulations. Others whispered: “How did he manage to trick such a pretty girl into coming here?”
Ignoring the judgment, Minh focused on his love. “That night, Mom asked us everything. The next day, she went to pick a wedding date,” Minh said.
Dung’s family skipped traditional wedding customs that could cost between $2,000 and $4,000. Instead, they requested only a symbolic dowry of 7 million VND (around $275).
“My in-laws knew my struggles and kept everything simple. I’ll never forget my father-in-law’s words: ‘It wasn’t easy for you two to find each other. We won’t make it harder.’ I’ll always be grateful,” Minh shared.
A fulfilled life together
They married in May 2022. In 2023, Dung gave birth to their first daughter. She had to undergo a cesarean at a hospital 20 km away. Minh stayed with her every day. “I wore the same clothes for all seven days,” he laughed. “My uncle told me to go home and change, but I wouldn’t leave her side.”
Though he feared their child might inherit his condition, Minh borrowed money for genetic testing. Their daughter was born healthy, and Minh felt life had truly compensated him.
Now living in Thanh Hoa, Minh continues to sell goods while Dung stays home caring for their daughter. He doesn’t let her do heavy chores, mindful of her health.
Dung said their marriage has its ups and downs, “We have disagreements, but also lots of love. That’s what makes a family,” she said.
Minh remains as optimistic as ever. “Life is hard, but I have the strength to work and the joy of a complete family. What more could I ask for?”
Vietnamnet.vn
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